28/07/2017
KCSS in cooperation with Mr. David L. Phillips, Director of Program on Peace-building and Rights - Institute for the Study of Human Rights at Columbia University, have organized a focus group discussion on Implementation Review: The Dialogue between the Republic of Kosovo and Serbia.
Mr. David Philips from the Columbia University called forth ideas and critique about the dialogue, that were eagerly debated on. Touching upon topics, such as the meaning behind normalisation of state relations, the role of the US as a successful mediator in the past, and the appropriate measures for the future, the participants gave varying opinions on the topics, making the debate colourful.
In total, the focus group outlined that one of the biggest challenges has been the lack of monitoring, setting timeframes and final goals for the past agreements, on top of the lack of equal inclusion of Kosovo as a partner. Serbia has been more proactive in lobbying for its needs and opinions in Brussels without the presence of Kosovo, that has led to it receiving more from the EU in the long run. Moreover, Serbia’s will to exclude Kosovo from the European and the international arena have diverted the dialogue to concentrate on more superficial topics over more crucial, being consolidating the past atrocities, territorial disputes, and the status of North Kosovo.
